Wildflowers

by Rhonda McCormack

In the three years since Keifer and Abi Michaels were evacuated from their desert home, the world has been ever-changing, and they don’t agree on the details of the past. But when Keifer uncovers a confusing family secret, Abi is his only ally. Now they must sneak into the Restricted Zone and navigate a maze of clues in order to unravel the truth. The journey will transform them…and the entire western landscape.

Genres: Young Adult, Dystopia, Fiction

305 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 28, 2012

About the author

Rhonda grew up in a stock suburban neighborhood outside of Kansas City. These were the days when imagination and independence served as trusted guides, and all means of self-expression were explored. From mud sculptures and hand-made gifts to elaborate musical productions. Throughout Rhonda’s life, art and literature have shaped all she’s endeavored, including her twelve-year career as an early childhood educator. Today her creative enthusiasm is directed squarely at writing and the visual arts. As the artist/owner of gongoozler art, she exhibits her work online and in a Scottsdale, Arizona boutique. She’s a long-time member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and in the summer of 2012, she debuted her young adult novel, WILDFLOWERS. Currently, she manages two blogs and is weaving her way through her forthcoming novel, ROLL.

Reviews

[Wendi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was, honestly, great. The whole concept was fabulous, a world where the air is toxic and there was no way to get rid of the poison that plagues the skies. This book was a real eye-opener at what our future could definitely turn out to be if we don't change our ways.
When Keifer overhears a conversation with his father that has something to do with his mom (who has been gone for a long time), he naturally gets curious and decides to investigate. After a bit of snooping however, his sister, Abi, figures out something is up and after a bit of convincing, he finally agrees to let her help.
A bit slow to start but once the clues start piling up and Abi and Keifer put more and more at stake, you won't be able to put this book down. A true testament to how far a few kids will go to figure out the truth that has been hidden for so long and how that truth can change their lives.
A YA that is great for adults too.

Happy Reading :)

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.

I was really impressed with this book, honestly. The idea seemed so original and captivating to me. Unlike other YA books, this future world is impacted by the environment and the terrible pollution that makes life difficult. It’s realistic in a way that other books are not when considering how the world may be years down the line. You have the MSA, a group only interested in selling inhalers and medical supplies for money and also trying to steal the formula. A guy who either is on the good or bad side and you’re not sure until the end. A mysterious mother’s work and a little sister who is, well, a little sister. The plot is perfect. The writing is great. I loved the book.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thins is a great book for anyone who loves a nail-biting adventure. Keifer and his sister Abi are on a mission to find out what's really behind the mystery they uncovered in one of their mom's paintings. In the process, they steal their dad's car, take-on the neighborhood bad boy as a stowaway, meet some underground desert rats, fly in a hot-air ballon, and find a natural solution to the worst pollution in US history - all while outrunning secret government spies.

Read it - you'll love it. Good for guys and girls teen and up.

[Deborah Ledford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating tale of a world gone wrong and the sister and brother in persuit of answers. The characters speak realstically of matters that people so young should never have to deal with. A YA novel not merely for young adults. I highly recommend this novel and look for more words by Rhonda McCormack.

[Hilarea Amthauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I typically do not read YA fiction, but I thoroughly enjoyed the story and relationships in this book. I found the suspenseful plot kept me up later than I wanted because I wanted to find out what would happen next to the characters. Ms. McCormack captures the angst of youth well.

[John Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting entry in the ecological/dystopian genre. A brother and sister hang in emotional limbo, not knowing where their mother went, or if she's still alive. Dad is a workaholic, reporting to the president of what remains of the US, following a giant rise in oceans and an accompanying air pollution, much caused by dust whipped up by wind. When they begin to find clues relating to what their mom was working on, as well as where she might have gone, not to mention a reappearance by some really shady desert rats, Keifer, Abi and Alex, son of a senator Keifer thinks is corrupt, make a decision to steal Dad's electric vehicle and make a run south of Phoenix into the Restricted Zone to see if they can get some answers.
This is a pretty satisfying and decently crafted story, one I enjoyed quite a bit.

[Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

After having received this book as part of the Goodreads Giveaway program some time ago, I finally had a chance to read it.

Wildflowers takes place in the not-too-distant future during a time of vast environmental upheaval. It starts off as a fairly straightforward kids-in-high-school (in the future) kind of book, but quickly becomes an action-packed mystery novel. The main character- Keifer- soon finds himself entangled in a web of family secrets that have a much wider-reaching impact.

While I liked this book, I didn't love it. The world McCormack creates is interesting, and at times seems to be a terrifyingly realistic possible future. However, she crosses the line between environmental nightmare and preachy "this-could-happen-to-us" a bit too often, her take on a corporate conspiracy, though, was spot-on.

I felt the pacing was a bit uneven as well, with some chunks rushed and others dragging on. The characters also felt flat and not fully developed. I was also highly bothered by a section where Keifer mentions something about how, if he were in a novel, his present circumstances would seem to be foreshadowing... and then, of course, it turns out to be foreshadowing. Wildflowers feels extremely under-edited. With tight editing, I think it could have easily been 4-4.5 stars.

All in all, though, it was an enjoyable and easy read. I have already passed it on to a friend to read and think it is a fairly solid YA option. I would probably realistically rate it 3.5 stars, if that were possible.

[Megan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was originally happy to have won Wildflowers in the ARC giveaway, but I guess the whole concept never really clicked with me. I'm not much of an environmentalist, so their problems didn't mean much to me.

This book takes place in the near future when the air is full of pollution and there aren't a lot of plants to clean it up. In all honesty, that was almost the only thing I understood of the whole plot. There is also some family secret that Keifer and Abi investigate, blah, blah, blah. I was looking for more adventure and excitement. Sometimes I got so bored that I barely knew what was going on because I was zoned out. The only thing I really liked about this book was Keifer's relationship with Abi, his little sister. They are very sweet and they ended up growing a lot closer by the end of the book.

This book just seemed to drag on for me. One thing that bothered me was when it randomly changed points of view in the middle of the story. The whole time it is from Keifer's point of view and then there is one chapter from Abi's point of view. I suppose this book would appeal more to people who can relate to the whole environmental concept. Like I said, I just could never get into it.

[Ana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads, and I want to thank Miss McCormack for the letter, and the beautiful bookmark and keepsake box!

Let me start off by highlighting how incredibly original an environmental YA book is, although I'm not the environmental type of person, I enjoyed this one.
On the beginning I felt the book was just OK, it didn't really attracted me much, but then it started to drag me into that world, with all those air pollution problems the characters in the book have to deal with and made me realize in a few years that could be our reality...
I have to say I wasn't expecting all those twists the plot had and I liked the author's writing style.
I think I just didn't fully connected with this book because of my personality, I'm used to read another type of genres, but I don't regret reading it, quite the opposite: it was refreshing!

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This a a great YA book also enjoyed by a not so young adult. The brother and sister starts out by getting along so so and end up becoming close and trusting each other. They went on a searching adventure and discovered many things about themselves and others. I love how the author tied in the current events and could be future events by including environmental issues, global warming, conserving energy, going green, etc..With earth awareness coming up, I think this would be a good book for libraries to have on display.

[J P]

Set in a dystopian future where humans are reaping the seeds of their destruction brought about by pollution, the main character Keifer is set on a mysterious, and sometimes dangerous, quest to find answers about his missing mother. Although the concept and characters are interesting, the plot sometimes seems stilted and the reader is often forced to big leaps in important backstory. Overall, Wildflowers is a decent read.

[Jayne Fisher]

Intriguing story line that gives insight into a very plausible future. The characters are believable and interesting in their actions and interactions. Has a good vs evil plot with mystery to the end that keeps you glued to the book. Leaves this reader wanting to read more about this families adventures.

[Savannah Hendricks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though this book was not on a topic that I would normally find appealing to read, Ms. McCormack did a really lovely job weaving the importance of the environment into the story. It is also not your typical story that you would find on bookshelves which really adds to the freshness of the story.

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was fortunate to win a copy of Wildflowers. It’s an enjoyable read with a captivating plot and timely premise. Teens will appreciate the suspense, clever technical gadgets, and following this likeable pair of siblings on their futuristic mission. The careful, detailed writing keeps readers right with the characters throughout. With a teensy bit more polishing, I’d give it a 5.

[Mary Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

interestin book for young adults who like adventure, secrets and following clues.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another simpler read about two teenagers and the mystery of their family that they uncover. Great debut book, I think! Look forward to checking out this author's future works.